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sulfinpyrazone, Anturane

GENERIC NAME: sulfinpyrazone

BRAND NAME: Anturane

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Sulfinpyrazone is a class of medications that cause excretion of uric acid in the urine. Accordingly, it is used in the treatment of elevated blood uric acid (hyperuricemia) and to lower blood uric acid in patients with gout.

PRESCRIPTION: yes

GENERIC AVAILABLE: yes

PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 100mg; Capsules: 200mg.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature, sealed container.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Sulfinpyrazone is used to reduce elevated blood uric acid levels in patients with gout in order to prevent recurrent attacks of arthritis. It can also help to dissolve the hard deposits of uric acid crystals (tophi) in patients with the tophaceous form of gout.

DOSING: Should be taken with food, milk or antacids. Patients taking long-term sulfinpyrazone should drink plenty of fluids to minimize the risk of uric acid kidney stones.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Sulfinpyrazone can aggravate peptic ulcer disease and is avoided in patients with this condition. It is also avoided in patients with a history of sensitivity to Butazolidin or with serious blood disorders. In patients with gouty arthritis, attacks this medication can worsen the attacks. Therefore, it is not started until after the attack has subsided. To avoid a recurrence of gout, while sulfinpyrazone is initiated, colchicine is often added. Aspirin products can interfere with sulfinpyrazone's effects. Sulfinpyrazone can enhance the action of certain diabetes medicines, such as Diabinese, resulting in abnormally low blood sugars.

PREGNANCY: Sulfinpyrazone is avoided, when possible, during pregnancy.

SIDE EFFECTS: Side effects of sulfinpyrazone are uncommon and usually mild. The most frequent adverse reactions involve stomach upset. Accordingly, combining the drug with food, milk or antacids is advised. Sulfinpyrazone, however, can cause kidney pain and uric acid kidney stones. Rarely, it has caused severe anemias.

Reference: FDA Prescribing Information

Last Editorial Review: 12/31/1997

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